Meet Waskasoo!

Waskasoo’s name comes from the Cree name for the Red Deer area. The saying “Waskasoo Seepee” was the name originally given to the area by the Cree, translating to “Elk River.” Settlers of the area called the area Red Deer after mistaking elk for European red deer.

This deer is full of energy and can’t wait for the Games to begin. Waskasoo is 16 years old, born near Buffalo Lake. He has two older siblings, two brothers named Kerry and Wapiti. Waskasoo’s parents moved the family to Red Deer because they wanted to join a growing community filled with hard-working and welcoming people. The family calls Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary their home now.

He has 13 blue, red, grey and yellow spots on his head and body that show his passion for Canada. At least one of his spot colours can be found in every provincial or territorial flag. His antlers form a W for Waskasoo.

The spots were a gift from Mother Nature because of Waskasoo’s kindness towards other – he is a true Canadian. Each spot represents one of the 13 provinces and territories.

Waskasoo has lots of interests! In the summer, he loves to visit the Westerner Days festival because he likes seeing the parade, going on the rides and eating cotton candy. Waskasoo loves to be active and be outdoors. Each summer, Waskasoo will travel Red Deer’s 110 km trail system.

Winter is Waskasoo’s favourite time of year! The cold does not scare him, and Waskasoo can be found skiing at Canyon Ski Resort, building snow forts or going sledding at Michener Hill. His favourite sports are hockey and skiing (both cross country or alpine!)

For food, Waskasoo loves to eat natural. His favourite foods are broccoli and watermelon. Waskasoo will also snack on nuts like almonds and cashews. He has a bit of a sweet tooth and will visit the Little Ice Cream Shop on Ross St.

What makes Waskasoo stand out is his personality. He is super enthusiastic! Waskasoo is always ready to cheer, dance and get others excited. You will see Waskasoo leading people in activities wherever he goes.

He is also encouraging. Waskasoo believes in you, and he will be there to celebrate with you when you cross the finish line, win or lose.

Waskasoo is curious. He loves to meet new people and hear more about them. He can’t wait to meet people from around central Alberta and hear their stories!

Waskasoo wants to be a sports broadcaster when he grows up. Broadcasting combines his enthusiasm and curiosity with his love for sports, and he has been inspired by watching TV personality Ron MacLean growing up. Waskasoo looks up to MacLean for his on-air skill and sense of humour. Brett Kissel and Deidra Dionne are two more inspirations for Waskasoo. Kissel is a chart-topping country artist from Flat Lake, Alberta, and Waskasoo admires his confidence and outgoing personality.

Dionne is an Olympian freestyle skier who won bronze in the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. A neck injury sustained in 2005 nearly paralyzed Dionne, but through hard work and determination, Dionne recovered and qualified for the 2006 Olympics in Torino. Waskasoo aims to have the same kind of resilience that Dionne does. Waskasoo can’t wait for the 2019 Canada Winter Games to begin.

He will be visiting communities around Alberta to share his excitement with people and share the news about the Games! If you see Waskasoo, give him a wave and he will be happy to say hello. During Games time, Waskasoo will be traveling to the different venues to cheer on the athletes.

Long time Red Deerian Cindy Mandrusiak readies herself for the Dance Off

Cindy Mandrusiak was born and raised in Red Deer. Her family has been involved in local business for decades through ownership of KFC. When she was asked to make the commitment to be a member of the Sheraton Celebrity Dance Off’s “Class of 2018”, she said “no”. Then she laughed. Cindy is major supporter of many different groups and organizations in this region and she’s passionate about giving back. Her and professional dance partner Dale Tosczak were recently in rehearsal when we caught up to them to talk get their thoughts on how their partnership is working out and general feelings about the legacy that is being built with help from the funds raised this year – the Canada Games Celebration Plaza.

In Cindy’s own words:

“I am proud to be the mother of six wonderful grown children and Baba to seven beautiful grandchildren. I’ve been fortunate enough to carry on and run a business in Red Deer known as KFC, established 55 years ago by my parents, John and Mary Konopaki. I’m proud to say that this KFC business is now being operated by third generation. As a longstanding business in this community, we are dedicated to supporting our community events through local charities, sporting events and many more. We believe in giving back to the community what they have given us over the 55 years.What an opportunity Red Deer has to host the 2019 Canada Winter Games. It made sense to give my personal time to raise money for such a great cause. I am thrilled to be a part of this prestigious event and I’m ready to get my dancing shoes on!”